Culture Clips: Soaring ‘Reputation,’ Sinking Reputations

For months, the pop star has been stirring the pop culture stew with a steady drip-drip-drip of singles, the lyrics of which have been parsed and dissected as if they were ancient Sanskrit texts. Now she’s given her fans a whole album, and it became the year’s highest-selling one in just four days. Swift’s own label suggests Reputation could sell as many as 2 million copies before the week’s out.

It says a lot about Swift, who despite obliterating her good-girl persona with her often sexualized, sometimes bitter lyrics, remains the biggest musical star in this arm of the galaxy. But it may also say something about the music industry itself: Swift’s Reputation became the first album to sell more than 1 million copies in two years. Now, just for fun, let’s take a look back at the three biggest releases from, oh, 40 years ago—1977. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours sold a certified 27.9 million copies (and is “rumoured” to have sold more than 40 million), Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell sold a certified 21.5 million copies, and the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack sold 20.6 million. Clearly, Swift’s Reputation will sell plenty more before it’s done, but also clearly, album sales aren’t quite what they once were.

Speaking of reputations, plenty more entertainment figures had theirs ruined over the last week or so. Comedian Louis C.K. is the most notable celebrity to fall to sexual harassment charges since we last met. “These stories are true,” the comedian confessed in a statement to Entertainment Weekly, owning up to the “extent of the impact of my actions.” But C.K.’s contrite apology wasn’t enough to save his, in hindsight, deeply uncomfortable film I Love You Daddy (described by Deadline Hollywood as “sort of an homage to Woody Allen’s Manhattan mixed with Lolita“). The movie has been shelved, despite the fact that screeners were already sent out to Oscar voters. Netflix has also severed ties with the comedian, and Vulture declares that “Louis C.K. is done.”

C.K.’s hardly alone, though, even in the realm of new allegations. Several otherpublicfigures were accused of harassment and assault, while others are watching their careers and futures crumble before their eyes. Gal “Wonder Woman” Gadot says she’ll only be back in character if Brett Ratner (accused of multiple sexual misdeeds) isn’t involved with the franchise. Salon says that two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey is being systematically culled from the industry. Fellow actor Bryan Cranston spoke on Spacey recently, giving voice to many: “There’s a disorder among all those people who use their power, their place or their status in any industry to overpower someone and force someone to do something that they don’t want to do.”

‘Course, social networks aren’t the only problem our kids and teens are struggling with. A new study suggests that teens who smoke marijuana and drink alcohol are substantially less likely to get married or find a job. Teen boys are struggling with what it means to be a guy these days. And things are getting even more confusing in Germany, where doctors are legally required to recognize a “third gender” from birth.

And in the wake of the continuing avalanche of unseemly allegations in Hollywood, Twitter user BAKOON solicited a request for nice celebrity stories. Scads of folks responded with some pretty heartwarming tales. One talked about how she tweeted to Carrie Fisher during a breakdown, and the star responded with “advice I’ll forever hold in my heart.” Another says that “Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman let me stay with them when my mom was in the hospital for cancer surgeries.” Still another discussed how Chris Martin of Coldplay goes to children’s hospitals at every tour stop. “He’s never spoken about it and we only know from social media posts from patients.” And the stories still are coming in.

Paul Asay has been writing for Plugged In since 2007 and loves superheroes and finding God in unexpected places. In addition, Paul has also written several books, with his newest—Burning Bush 2.0—recently published by Abingdon Press. When Paul’s not reviewing movies, he hikes with his wife, Wendy, runs marathons with his grown kids, Colin and Emily, and beats back unruly houseplants. Follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

Have something to say? Leave a comment.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

One thing that's always bothered me about all these harassment charges popping out of the woodwork... why now?

Why, years ago when it happened, did the victims not go to the police? I can certainly understand being ashamed of it and trying to keep it secret because of that shame, but...everyone who's reportedly been harassed by these people did that? EVERYONE kept it a secret? NOBODY spoke out? NOBODY went to the police? That just seems odd, given the number of apparent crimes.

"But they're scared!" some people say. "But these people who harassed/abused them are very powerful people and it could've cost the victims their careers!" ...er, right, because a career is more important than your dignity or your health? Oh, what am I saying, this is Hollywood. Forgive me for being crude, but at this point, being a victim of sexual harassment in Hollywood is a career booster, not a career ending thing. Don't attack me just yet, hear me out: the "victim culture" is so strong nowadays that if someone comes out and says "I was abused by [this person]," they'll be fawned over and praised and celebrated for being so "brave" and "courageous" and standing up against "oppression" and on and on and ON...regardless of whether or not the accusation is actually true. Yes, it DOES take courage to speak out against an abuser, and those who do so ARE exceedingly brave - but this over-the-top celebration of victimhood is pathetic. It's starting to remind me of all those who "come out" as gay or lesbian or transgender and are lauded for being so "brave." Which leads me to another point...

...how many of these accusations are actually true? Hollywood is a horrifically corrupt and depraved system; I have no doubt that many of these accusations ARE true...but all of them? How many people really were abused...and how many are just jumping on the "let's accuse this person" bandwagon because a) it gets them acclaim and sympathy, b) everybody else is doing it, and c) they don't want to be seen as possibly taking the side of the alleged abuser by not saying a word. Are they just crying wolf? I simultaneously hope so, and hope not. I hope so, because that means that less people have been abused than was thought. And I hope not, because that means people aren't yet depraved and/or cruel enough to accuse another being of such a heinous crime just for the heck of it.

Long story short, I don't really know who to believe in a situation like this. If these accusations are true, then may God help the victims to find peace and strength in Him, and the abusers to face justice. If these accusations are false...then may these accusers be thoroughly shamed for such a disgusting, vile lie.

- Lionsong

charitysplace

More than 1 year ago

I have wondered this too; not because they did not step forward, but because I have seen falsehoods by vindictive people ruin lives, and where there is no proof, it's hard to establish the truth.

I suspect the truth is somewhere in-between; that a lot of abuse has been dealt out, and that are a few liars thrown into the mix with the genuine victims of the abuse.

Inkfeather1 .

More than 1 year ago

The answer to that is easy. They DID come forward in the past. But they were quickly shut up and the media paid no attention so you never heard about it. Some never said anything because they saw what happened to the other victims and knew there was no hope of being believed. Do some digging, you'll find that these accusations have been floating around for years but are only just now being listened to. It wasn't that long ago that women in this country didn't even have the right to vote, much less the right to not be sexually violated by people higher up. And when that higher up is a cultural icon...no one WANTS to believe them. We've finally gotten to a place in this country where we are willing to accept that these things happen and need to be stopped.

And "celebration of victimhood"? Really? What should we do then, shoot the victim? Punish them? Are you actually suggesting that we shouldn't stand by them and encourage them? Nothing here is being celebrated. These women have made accusations and so far none of them have been proven false. Many have actually been proven true. You'll probably never hear this from me again but...I'm with bobed on this one. Your post, while a natural question to ask, shows a disturbing lack of education on this subject, and you should probably go actually read up on these accusations before joining the conversation.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Thank you, Lionsong, for bringing into the discussion the salient point that not all of the accusers may be telling the truth. One only needs to remember Tawana Brawley (falsely accusing four white men of raping her) and Al Sharpton (who promoted her lies for his own advancement). Whether some of the accusers are 'crying wolf' and are falsely reveling in attention, or if it was for $ or revenge, whatever motive, I hope all truth comes into the light.

I appreciate your compassion for the true victims, and I pray as well that God helps these people to find peace and strength through such horrific experience(s). Godspeed~

milhistorian

More than 1 year ago

The thing is that the existence of the "casting couch" is something of an open secret among anyone who actually bothers to look into how Hollywood actually works. It's just that very few people do that.

charitysplace

More than 1 year ago

Ooh, look what you made me dolook what you made me dolook what you made me do!

Way to take personal responsibility, Taylor. ;)

I'm sorry to hear that about Louis C.K. I've never found him funny but a couple of my friends dig him; he's probably done now. I admire him for apologizing, though. That took guts. Now maybe he can seek psychological help for his problems.

Internet addiction is... a problem I fight a lot. Once I 'tune out' / turn off my devices, I still feel a loss, even if I know nothing is happening online. But, you know, autumn and winter are a great time for reflection -- and you can't do it with an iPhone in your hand. And there's not much better than a good book on a chilly winter's day.

You know what's super awesome, though? A handwritten letter or card. It's worth more than a text. ;)

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More than 1 year ago

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charitysplace

More than 1 year ago

You don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt, do you?

Inkfeather1 .

More than 1 year ago

Desire to save his skin, or genuine apology, it doesn't really matter to me. He's at least not dragging this out by denying everything like others have done. If I had been a victim, I'd want my abuser to just confess and not victimize me further by painting me as a liar, regardless of his motivations for doing so.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Posted by First Comment Guy

Louis CK also got fired from The Secret Life of Pets 2 for his bad behavior. Maybe this means the movie will get canceled. I certainly hope so, considering that the first movie was just a poor man's Toy Story, yet somehow made a huge amount of money.

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More than 1 year ago

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Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Posted by First Comment Guy

Yeah, 100s of people who could be making better movies. Besides, it's not like these people would loose their jobs; they'd just go work on another movie.

Evan Weisensel

More than 1 year ago

I actually like the first Secret Life of Pets movie. But then again, I did see it for free as a birthday present because my friend worked at a movie theater and could get free tickets for people.

Evan Weisensel

More than 1 year ago

You know what? Good on Louis CK to owning up to the assault allegations. Sure, he shouldn't have done it in the first place, but he did the right thing by admitting that what he did was wrong and vowing to change. Handled it much better than others in a similar situation have handled it. (Takei blaming it on the Russians, anyone?)

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More than 1 year ago

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Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Posted by First Comment Guy

While someone else may have wrote that speech for him, I can't imagine it being a woman. No woman in her right mind would defend a man doing that sort of thing to her gender.

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More than 1 year ago

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Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

If he was courageous, he'd take a stand against popular opinion - he'd stand for America, not against it.

- Lionsong

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More than 1 year ago

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Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

It's not just female pop artists. Jonas Brothers, Bieber, etc. seem to have all done the same. The whole entertainment industry has a serious problem with its approach to sexuality.

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Good media discernment is about guarding our eyes and hearts before we watch or listen. And it's also about grappling with the entertainment we do see or hear. That's why the Plugged In Blog is devoted to guarding, discussing and grappling.